Present individuals versus those who were absent. - Uncovered: Hidden Gathering of Top-Ranked Champions
Decade ago, we were crowned world champions in Brazil. A tremendous celebration to mark the anniversary took place in Frankfurt, Germany on a Thursday.
The main ceremony commenced at 6:30 pm at the prestigious site "Frankfurter Botschaft" in Westhafen right by the Main River.
In attendance: World champion coach Joachim Löw (64), ex-DFB director Oliver Bierhoff (55), ex-president Wolfgang Niersbach (73), ex-goalkeeper trainer Andreas Köpke (62), and former DFL boss Reinhard Rauball (77).
World champions including Philipp Lahm (40), Bastian Schweinsteiger (39), Per Mertesacker (39), Matthias Ginter (30), Shkodran Mustafi (32), Roman Weidenfeller (43), Erik Durm (32), and Ron-Robert Zieler (35). Lukas Podolski (38) was expected, but unfortunately couldn't make it.
Alas, World Cup stalwarts Thomas Müller (34), Toni Kroos (34), and Manuel Neuer (36) missed the celebration as they were deeply immersed in their European Championship preparations.
Absent too were Mats Hummels (35) and Mario Götze (31). The goal hero from the World Cup final is set to vacation in Dubai with his wife Ann-Kathrin and their two children.
The day's happenings began at 2:30 pm when the first World Cup heroes reunited at the DFB campus. They had a tour around the recently unveiled facilities (set up in 2022).
By 6 pm, the World Cup team left from their hotel "Roomers" towards the party location at Westhafen. Joachim Löw, who arrived later, also joined them.
The "Frankfurter Botschaft" was adorned with lively posters encompassing the critical tournament goals' game plans. The windows showcased the World Cup insignia and the years 2014 and 2024.
A diverse spread of food was laid out for dinner. Speeches were interspersed throughout the meals, accompanied by screening of the best tournament highlights on a screen.
Mouthwatering: A dessert assortment was served, featuring small flags of Switzerland, Germany, Italy, and Brazil, signifying the four World Cup wins. Some enthusiastic champions devoured their desserts on a nearby pier overlooking the Main River.
Sweet: While retiree Bierhoff was on a phone call around 10 pm after the official part ended, he noticeably encountered twins Eliyas and Aaron (both 10) from Bad Vilbel, Hessen who stood outside the location to obtain autographs.
Because the two hadn't yet managed to acquire autographs from Lahm and Schweinsteiger, Bierhoff graciously took them along and left them with glowing faces.
As soon as 10:15 pm, the officials cleared the party scene. The affair continued with euphoric music, culminating in a fitting tribute for world champions.
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